Computer systems (e.g. for accounting, stock control or ordering) used to manage non-Internet aspects of a business.

Broadband

Defined by the ABS as an 'always on' Internet connection with an access speed equal to or greater than 256Kbps.

Cable

Describes those technologies including coaxial cable, fibre optic cable and hybrid fibre coaxial cable which are capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 2Gbps.

Dial-up (analog)

Connection to the Internet via modem and dial-up software utilising the public switched telecommunications network.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

More properly referred to as xDSL as this covers several digital technologies (e.g. Asymmetric DSL or ADSL and Symmetric DSL or SDSL) for fast two-way data connections over the public switched telecommunications network.

Fixed Wireless Internet access

Point to point microwave link, generally building to building or tower to building which allows subscribers within the receiving building to access the Internet. Sender and receiver must be within line of sight and no more than 22km apart.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)

A digital access technique for both voice and data. Digital alternative to an analog public switched telephone service and carries data or voltages consisting of discrete steps or levels, as opposed to continuously variable analog data. ISDN enables digital transmission over the public switched telecommunications network.

Internet

A world-wide public computer network. Organisations and individuals can connect their computers to this network and exchange information across a country and/or across the world. The Internet provides access to a number of communication services including the World Wide Web and carries email, news, entertainment and data files.

Internet Income

Income resulting from orders received via the Internet or web for goods or services.

Order

A commitment to purchase goods or services.

Mobile Wireless Internet access

Mobile Internet access via 'hotspots' using a microwave connection often referred to as WiFi. Most commonly utilised by laptop users although it is also becoming increasingly popular within homes and businesses with multiple PCs.

Non dial-up

Refers to permanent and 'always on' connections to the Internet.

Satellite/communications satellite

A satellite stationed in geosynchronous orbit that acts as a microwave relay station, receiving signals sent from a ground based station, amplifying them, and retransmitting them on a different frequency to another ground-based station. Satellites can be used for high-speed transmission of computer data.

Secure access/transactions

A web site has a capability for secure access or transactions when it allows customers to submit orders for goods, requests for services and credit/debit card details over a secure link that cannot be accessed by unauthorised persons. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a common protocol used in this type of web site as it enables encryption of data such as credit card details and customer information sent over the Internet.

Web presence

Web presence includes a web site, home page or presence on another entity's web site. A web site or home page is an electronic document that is accessed via a unique address on the World Wide Web. The document provides information in a textual, graphical or multimedia format. Web presence excludes online listings, e.g. Yellow pages.